From 11 to 13 December 2018, the 7th International Clean Energy Forum, co-hosted by International Forum for Clean Energy (IFCE Macao), ASEAN-China Centre (ACC) and ASEAN Centre for Energy, was held in Macao. Mr. He Houhua, Vice Chairman of CPPCC National Committee, Mr. Ji Lin, Vice Chairman of the Economic and Social Council of China and Chairman of Beijing Municipal Committee of the CPPCC, Mr. Yao Jian, Vice Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR, Ms. Wang Dong, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macao SAR, Mr. Wu Zhiliang, Member of the CPPCC, Chairman of the Macao Foundation Administrative Committee, IFCE Director-General Mr. Ambrose So Shu Fai, Executive Director General He Yu and Vice Director General Li Zhenqiang, ACC Secretary-General Mr. Chen Dehai, Ambassadors from Algeria, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Venezuela and Vice Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Lao PDR, attended the Forum and relevant activities. Mr. Ambrose So Shu Fai said in his opening remarks that currently, the rapid economic development of ASEAN countries has a significant demand for clean energy, and China has a wealth of experience and leading technology in this field. Hence, the cooperation between China and ASEAN countries will enable both sides to benefit from each other, and to progress together in the promotion of energy transformation and in the fostering of an integrated regional economy. In particular, China is now in the process of actively promoting?the development of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao?Greater?Bay Area and the building of a Green Belt and Road. Macau can serve as a bridge between China and ASEAN countries to pursue the goal of green development by means of clean energy, so as to jointly build a community of shared interests and a shared future.
Ji Lin said that the “Belt and Road” Initiative offers a great cooperation platform for all the countries to realize common development, and also an important platform to promote the building of a community of shared future for mankind. As the largest energy producer and consumer in the world, China has stepped into a new era of international energy cooperation. To strengthen energy cooperation along the “Belt and Road” is not only in line with the need of China’s development, but also synergizes the energy development of all countries in the world. China is ready for shouldering more responsibilities and obligations within its capacity.
Secretary-General Chen Dehai spoke highly of the contributions of IFCE in boosting experience and technology sharing, realizing green and low-carbon development and safeguarding global energy safety. He said that deep changes have taken place in the current world energy landscape. To accelerate the energy transformation and realize green and low-carbon development have become the common missions of the international community. China and ASEAN countries have similar economic foundations and share the needs for energy transformation. In recent years, clean energy cooperation between the two sides has developed rapidly, and energy infrastructure connectivity has also achieved initial results. ACC will continue to work together with the friends of all circles, to make our due contributions in promoting the development of and cooperation in international clean energy.
Ambassador of Lao PDR to China said that, currently, ASEAN is committed to the implementation of ASEAN Action Plan on Energy Cooperation 2016-2025, with the goal of reaching 23% share of renewable energy in total primary energy supply by 2025. Lao PDR had attached great importance to clean energy and renewable energy development based on hydro power. In 2018, Lao PDR completed a report on Alternative Energy Study for Lao PDR and published the Energy Statistic 2018 Book. It is believed that these documents would help foreign investors to have a clear picture of the energy resources in Lao PDR and promote investment in this regard. The theme of the Forum is “Clean Energy and Smart Leadership: China-ASEAN Energy Cooperation”. More than 200 participants including government officials, representatives from international organizations, academics, and entrepreneurs have exchange on such issues as how to strengthen China-ASEAN clean energy cooperation, smart energy and energy block-chain, application of nuclear technology, clean and high efficient utilization of coal, etc.. The “2018 Blue Book on Clean Energy” was released during the Forum. Awarding ceremonies for International Clean Energy Person/Enterprise of the Year 2018, Annual Director’s Letter of Appointment and Special Committee, and establishment and licensing ceremony of Energy Blockchain Special Committee were also held. The forum also witnessed the signing of several strategic cooperation agreements among energy companies.